Monday, June 29, 2009

These past few weeks have been busy, but not necessarily ways we'd prefer. Not all bad though. =)About a week and a half ago, Timothy got sick, and we weren't sure what was wrong. Our healthy happy little boy had a fever of 103, and was pretty miserable. The fever came down after a cool bath, so we put him to bed, and kept checking on him. About 11, it was back up, and when we woke him up to get some more water down him, he was shaking, so we worriedly took him off to the ER. Of course, by the time we got in to see someone, his fever was almost gone, and they couldn't find anything wrong. Said it was probably a touch of the flu, and to keep and eye on him. They gave us a prescription for children's Tylenol, and sent us home. Lots of excitement... He was a little under the weather for the next few days, but was fine after that. Thankfully it was nothing, but I guess better safe than sorry, even if it means ER at midnight on occasion... =)Since then, he's had fun at playgroup, at the fountain with Calista, Thomas and Ashton, and of course, in our pool. One of these days, I'll even remember to get pictures! Our fearless little man took a few trips to get used to the pool and now I can't keep him out of it!

Thursday was my birthday, and Timothy gave me the gift of sleeping in, and then he and John brought me breakfast in bed. For lunch, we used a gift card we had, and went out. Then, after naptime (Timothy had one. #2 wouldn't let me sleep...) Timothy and I went to the pool to get away from the heat. (I don't know what it is, but I cannot get cool these days, no matter what I do to the thermostat...) When we got back, John was grilling chicken, and cooking fresh corn on the cob. Mmm! Dessert was of course, fresh Watermelon, which Timothy thought was great! I did too. It's been my birthday cake pretty much all my life... =)

After the watermelon, I had another surprise. Our friends Mike and Emma and their boys brought me a chocolate and strawberry cake to share. Apparently John didn't consider Watermelon a real cake. It was a lovely surprise, and a yummy cake, although, you can tell I wasn't prepared to have my picture taken. =)Friday morning brought another surprise: Contractions. They woke me up about 6am, and were somewhat intense. This wasn't so good, since I'm still 5 weeks out, so I decided to put myself on semi-bedrest for a little while to keep Lil' Bit where he is for the time being. John helped me grocery shop, and I tried to spend the rest of the day on the couch. I really don't do inactivity well. One day and I was already stir crazy. Thankfully, the contractions haven't returned, just a few Braxton-Hicks, so I've gotten off the couch, but am still trying to take it easy, at least for another week or two...

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Well, my midwife has assured me that all this up and down and awkwardness is normal and he's definitely hit a growth spurt (I gained 5 pounds in 2 weeks), but that all looks good, and I don't need to pack my bags just yet. She keeps reminding me that everything is a lot more obvious with the second one, but the good news is that the labor is usually shorter. =)

In other news, John had his interview today, but I'll let him tell you about that. He's on his way home now to a wife and son who miss him a lot (I just put Timothy to bed to a chorus of "Daddy, miss...") The interview seemed to go well, now all we have to do is wait. Thanks to all of you for your prayers. We both feel good about it, we're just waiting on the committee...

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Well, I've just put my husband on a plane to Iowa. He's being flown out for a job interview and we really hope that means we might be moving soon. I'd really like to know where we're going for my own peace of mind. Pregnancy and uncertainty are not the best bedfellows. Which has made for some fun days lately.. =)

This past week or so has been a bunch of ups and downs for me. Mostly downs. I feel healthier this pregnancy, but much more of a wuss as well. I know I was uncomfortable with Timothy, (not to mention huge and swollen) but I don't remember being this limited in my physical abilities. Of course, I didn't have a toddler needing my to help him with all kinds of things, and I wasn't constantly bending over to pick up toys, books, and all the other stuff that goes with a child. Maybe that's most of it. M house stayed a lot cleaner during my last pregnancy. =)

Lately though, it seems to have gotten worse. I feel like this small person inside me has doubled in size overnight! He's sat so low my whole pregnancy, that I was really enjoying not having feet in my ribs, and a full lung capacity. No more. In the last few days, both of those luxuries have disappeared, and the only comfortable position for any length of time is on my side on the couch with multiple pillows... Sitting is out of the question. Oh well, only 4-6 more weeks... =)

Which brings me to my other pregnancy issue. Hormones. I need to nest, and have become increasingly frustrated by the fact that I CAN'T. I've cleaned most of what there is to clean and organize (except under the kitchen sink, and that required bending over. Not real eager for that), and I really don't feel prepared for this kid. That, of course, is due to the fact that we're still in a one bedroom apartment, Timothy is still sleeping in the crib and we have no place to move. I've been hunting, but what's in our price range around here is downright scary. We're also waiting to find out about this job, because if it comes through, we'll just wait until the baby comes, and move after that. Not that I relish moving halfway across the country with a toddler and a newborn, but there are much worse things... =)

Anyway, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. John meets everyone and interviews tomorrow. We feel really good about this interview (well, John does, and when I do when I'm not all hormonal), and it would mean really good things for our family and stabilize us sooner than if we stayed here. We're just waiting on the Lord and His plan. We know it's so much better than ours....

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Last week, we took advantage of the warm weather and I took Timothy and Calista off to the fountain at our local "town square" We met up with some friends, and the kids had a blast. Hot weather and water is a wonderful combination. =)

The next Monday after our trip was Memorial Day, and since John loves to grill, we decided to throw a BYOM barbeque. We had several people coming, and were quite excited about it. Then, just before start time, it started raining. We waited a while for it to blow over, but then gave up and grilled anyway. Well, the guys stood out with umbrellas, and we all crowded into the apartment to eat. It was still fun, and a good time with friends. I'm not sure which Timothy enjoyed more. Splashing in the rain, or playing with his friends... =)

Then, on Saturday, we headed off to the Zoo for a few hours, and Timothy had a blast. He wasn't so sure about the big Apes up close, but he loved the little monkeys, as well as the birds and pretty much everything else we saw. Fun times. =)

So, about 3 weeks ago, we boarded a plane, and headed to Chicago for my brother Michael's wedding. It was a lovely time with family, and a good chance for me to see old friends I hadn't seen in a very long time. We flew out on a Friday, since the tickets were cheaper, and spent that night with my friend Alyse, and her 4 kids. She also has 2 dogs and a small horse (mastiff), so Timothy was in heaven. Airplanes, kids, and dogs to play with, who wouldn't be? =)

Saturday, we headed to the other side of Chicago to meet up with my parents before the rehearsal dinner. We had a few hours to kill, and Timothy thoroughly enjoyed exploring every nook and cranny of our hotel room. That, and hanging out with Santa and Lady. =)

The rehearsal dinner was absolutely delicious! As was our breakfast the next 2 mornings. The hotel chef where we stayed was amazing, and kept everyone happy and very full. =) Michael and Karina shared some sweet thoughts, as did the fathers, and then my Mom served tea for everyone. (It's her obsession, and it goes everywhere with her.) There was a green tea, and oolong tea, and fruit tea for the pregos and children (and anyone else who wanted it.) Timothy thought it wa great that Lady gave him drink like a big boy!

The next day was busy, but not too busy. The wedding was at four, so everyone enjoyed a leisurely breakfast (see reference to chef above)and then the wedding party went off to take pictures all over Chicago, and we went to church.

We had to wake Timothy up from his nap to make it to the wedding, so he was a little groggy for part of the ceremony, but that probably helped him keep still. That and the fact that it was short. My Dad performed the ceremony, and it was beautiful and to the point, just as the happy couple requested. The ceremony was outdoors, ina gazebo, which reminded me of my parents wedding photos, where my grandfather performed that ceremony. =)

After the recieving line and a few more pictures, we took the little ones back to the hotel room with a sitter, and rejoined the festivities. Food, friends, fun, and lots of music and dancing was the order of the evening, and we had a great time.

I loved seeing Michael and Karina and their joy on this day. They are so sweet together, and compliment each other so well. I look forward to having Karina as a permanent part of our family. And Michael looked like he was about to burst. It was great! At one point or another, everyone was out on the floor, (although my parents it was a little as possible) but I think the highlight of the dancing that evening, was watching the groom perform his Napolean Dynamite dance. I'm not a fan of the movie, but that was really funny. =)

The next day, we enjoyed an early breakfast with my parents, before heading to the airport. Then the day went quickly downhill. Due to various circumstances, most beyond our control, we missed our flight, and ended up waiting on standby for 8 hours. We were tired, but thankfully, Timothy did really well, even if we didn't want to chase him all over the airport... But we finally made it home about 11 or 12 hours later than planned, and we were very glad to be home. We needed to rest up from our vacation.. =)